Leviticus 3:11

Then the priest is to burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Study Bible

Then the priest is to burn them on the altar
In the Levitical system, the role of the priest was crucial in mediating between God and the people. The act of burning the offering on the altar signifies the complete dedication of the sacrifice to God. The altar, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was the central place for sacrifices. This act of burning symbolizes purification and consecration, transforming the physical into a spiritual offering. The priest's role here prefigures Christ as our High Priest, who offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.

as food
The term "food" in this context does not imply that God consumes the offering as humans do. Instead, it signifies that the offering is pleasing and acceptable to God. This anthropomorphic language helps convey the idea of God’s satisfaction with the offering. In the ancient Near Eastern context, offerings were often seen as a way to maintain a relationship with the deity, providing sustenance in a symbolic sense.

a food offering
The food offering, or "meal offering," was a type of sacrifice that often accompanied burnt offerings. It was a way to express gratitude and devotion to God. This offering was typically made of grain, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing the fruits of human labor and God's provision. The food offering points to the sustenance God provides and foreshadows the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the Bread of Life.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes that the offering is directed solely to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This exclusivity underscores the monotheistic faith of the Israelites, distinguishing their worship from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations. The offerings were a means of maintaining the covenant relationship, reminding the Israelites of their identity as God's chosen people. This dedication to the LORD prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself to God on behalf of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed in the Law of Moses.

2. Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the meeting point between God and man.

3. Offering
In this context, it refers to the peace offering, which is a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and fellowship.

4. LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

5. Sacrificial System
The system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for Israel, serving as a means of atonement and worship.

Teaching Points

Understanding Sacrifice
The peace offering symbolizes reconciliation and fellowship with God. It teaches us the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God through worship and thanksgiving.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in offering sacrifices points to Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who mediates a new covenant and offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Symbolism of Fire
Fire represents God's holiness and the purifying nature of His presence. Our lives, like the offerings, should be purified and dedicated to God.

Communal Aspect of Worship
The peace offering involved both the priest and the offerer, highlighting the communal nature of worship. As believers, we are called to worship together, fostering unity and fellowship.

Living Sacrifices
In light of Christ's sacrifice, we are called to live sacrificially, dedicating our lives to God's service and seeking to please Him in all we do.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 3:11 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we offer "sacrifices of praise" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:15-16?

3. What does the communal aspect of the peace offering teach us about the importance of fellowship in the church today?

4. How can we apply the concept of being "living sacrifices" from Romans 12:1 in our personal walk with God?

5. Reflecting on the symbolism of fire in the sacrificial system, how can we seek God's purifying presence in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 7:11-21
Provides further details on the peace offering, including the portions to be consumed by the priests and the offerer, emphasizing communal fellowship.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Encourages believers to offer sacrifices of praise and good deeds, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament sacrifices as acts of worship.

Romans 12:1
Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a spiritual act of worship, connecting the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament to spiritual devotion in the New Testament.